23 December 2019, by: The Popping Crease

South Africa v England: First Test Preview

South Africa begin their summer of Test match Cricket on Boxing Day against old rivals, England, with the first of four Tests.

Both the Proteas and England have had less than positive Test match results in recent times. South Africa, of course, losing 3-0 to India, while England have not won a Test series since November 2018.

Both teams are under new management with England looking to make a stride towards greater stability in their Test team, as they have successfully done with their limited-overs side. South Africa, on the other hand, have a new Director of Cricket, albeit interim, in former captain, Graeme Smith, and a new Head Coach, in former wicket-keeper, Mark Boucher, as we look forward to what should be a cracking summer of cricket.

This is the first series for the Proteas with their new Director of Cricket and a new coaching panel. With experienced heads of former legends ‘Biff’ and ‘Bouch’ at the helm, I find myself feeling optimistic about South African Cricket going forward.

Graeme Smith is a natural leader, commands respect and when he talks, people listen. He has played at the highest level and captained the national side for a decade, his experience and knowledge is priceless. Mark Boucher is a fighter and he was a key member of a successful Proteas side, his knowledge of both playing and coaching will be invaluable.

South Africa will want to right the wrongs of the previous England tour, when they lost 2-1, and will endeavour to show both the England team and the Barmy Army how resilient South Africans are.

For the Proteas, one of the most important players is captain, Faf du Plessis. Despite their struggles in the Test format, Faf has thankfully asserted his desire to remain as the captain. It was no secret that his captaincy in 2019 has left some (myself included) feeling underwhelmed, but his experience in leading this Test team is needed. He is a natural leader and needs to lead from the front by continuing to bat at no.4.

The Proteas bowling attack was disappointing in India. Kagiso Rabada particularly had a poor 2019, but a new series, at home against an old rival is exactly what he needs to get that spark back. So much attention has been given to Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins and Jofra Archer in 2019, it is time for Rabada to show why he is the best. Playing at home should allow the Protea bowlers the advantage to showcase their skill and get back to wicket-taking ways.

Rassie van der Dussen was finally included in the Proteas Test squad and fully deserves to be in the playing XI for the first Test. He has proven himself on the international stage and has earned a Test call-up.

Jofra Archer is a key player for the visitors. Having a less than successful tour of New Zealand, Archer will hope the faster South African pitches are more suited to his style of bowling. With his extreme pace and sharp bounce, the Proteas batsmen will need to keep their guard up. Archer may not get them out, but bowlers work in partnerships, and if Archer doesn’t get them, Broad or Woakes will. South Africa must be mindful of this.

The first Test of the four-Test series starts on Boxing Day, in Centurion. It is a venue that has been good to South Africa, having won 19 of the 24 Tests played at this venue, and the last time the two teams met at this ground, South Africa were comfortable winners by 280 runs in 2016. The Barmy Army never fail to support their team, it is vitally important for the local South African crowd to do the same.

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